Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
14:14
Simultaneous Quantification of T-Cell Receptor Excision Circles (TRECs) and K-Deleting Recombination Excision Circles (KRECs) by Real-time PCR
Published on: December 6, 2014
Primary immunodeficiencies presenting in adolescence
1Department of Pediatrics, Allergy/Immunology Section, Emory University School of Medicine, 1648 Pierce Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. lkobryn@emory.edu
Adolescent Medicine: State of the Art Reviews
|June 5, 2009
Summary
Recurring infections in children can signal primary immunodeficiency diseases, a group of over 120 disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing these conditions in adolescents and young adults.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric immunology
- Clinical immunology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Recurrent infections are common in children, but persistent, severe, or unusual infections may indicate underlying primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs).
- Primary immunodeficiency diseases encompass over 120 disorders affecting the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections.
- Many PIDs remain undiagnosed until late childhood or adolescence, delaying appropriate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnosis and treatment of primary immunodeficiency diseases.
- To focus on PIDs that commonly manifest during adolescence and young adulthood.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of primary immunodeficiency diseases.
- Analysis of clinical presentations in adolescents and young adults.
- Synthesis of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Primary immunodeficiency diseases present a diagnostic challenge due to their heterogeneity.
- Adolescence and young adulthood are critical periods for recognizing PID symptoms.
- Timely diagnosis and tailored treatment are essential for improving outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Early identification of PIDs in adolescents and young adults is vital.
- Comprehensive diagnostic approaches are necessary for accurate PID diagnosis.
- Effective management strategies can mitigate the impact of PIDs on long-term health.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Immunodeficiency Diseases
Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
01:36Humoral Immune Responses
Overview
01:16Primary Lymphoid Organs
Primary lymphoid organs are pivotal in the formation, development, and maturation of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that serve as the backbone of our immune system. This crucial function underscores their fundamental role in maintaining our overall health and immunity. The two primary lymphoid organs of prime importance are the red bone marrow and the thymus.
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
01:12Type I Diabetes I: Introduction
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...